We Do What We Can

Staying Positive When You are Drowning in Negativity

Social media has been wonderful at bringing people together and allowing us to reconnect with individuals from our past. Unfortunately, it also has a considerable downside: the level of discourse seems to decrease on a monthly basis. People used to post online with basic decorum, but that increasingly seems to be a thing of the past. Cyberbullying is distressingly common and rudeness is so commonplace, that it has actually become more or less accepted as part of the online experience.

Watching or reading the news is little better. “If it bleeds, it leads” has never been more prevalent, and with an empty-headed, pathological liar as president, the news cycle is filled with negativity. This almost inevitably bleeds into our interactions with others, particularly if you are on the opposite side of the political spectrum.

Anyone subjected to a constant barrage of negativity will inevitably begin to feel the effects of it.

What can you do to avoid such feelings and be more positive? Here are a couple of ways that can help you unplug from the world for a bit and recharge.

Quiet Time

It is important for us to find some quiet time each day in order to calm ourselves. Try to find a place where you can be by yourself for 15-30 minutes each day. Close your eyes and take deep breaths. You can also listen to relaxing music.

Meditation

If you respond well to this sort of relaxation, take the next step and practice meditation. This is something you can learn to do on your own or in a group. Many people choose the latter option because attending a meditation class helps them to make the commitment. Also, these groups are led by knowledgeable practitioners who can help your progress with meditation by offering suggestions.

Whatever route you choose, the important thing to remember with meditation is that even a small gain in the amount of time you spend is a victory. No one masters meditation in only a few sessions, so don’t be hard on yourself if you find it particularly challenging at first.